ILOILO – While homebound passengers started trooping various terminals and ports in the province, authorities expect the volume would still swell days before Christmas.
Bracing for the holiday rush, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has placed its units on heightened alert.
Captain Erlin Benliro, PCG-Iloilo commander, said they have mobilized some 76 personnel to beef up safety and security measures for the riding public until Jan. 5, 2020.
According Benliro, they have reactivated the “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Pasko 2019” of Department of Transportation, where PCG personnel are strategically deployed in major ports.
“This means that all PCG units are directed to be on heightened alert in five major ports located in Iloilo City’s Lapuz district, Parola, Ortiz, Iloilo fastcraft and ferry terminal, and Fort San Pedro,” explained Benliro.
The commandant, however, noted that those 76 personnel will not be deployed 24/7.
“We have three to four on a rotation basis hindi puedeng 24 hours nandoon sila. They also need to rest. In Iloilo alone may limang ports tayo so yun yung binabantayan ng kalahati ng 76, ang kalahati ng 76 ko nandoon sa substations kasi andami kong ports dito eh,” said Benliro.
The PCG-Iloilo also placed various water assets which include aluminum boats and a jet ski to make sure that critical ports make sure that critical ports are closely monitored for any untoward maritime security incident.
The agency also put up Malasakit help desk handled by the PCG, Philippine National Police, Philippine Ports Authority and concerned local government unit.
“Dito maari ang expected date natin is before the holiday which Dec. 24 kasi Dec. 23 may pasok pa so ang posibilidad na the day before Chrismas, dadagsain ng turista at umuuwing families,” Benliro said.
He urged sea travelers urged sea travelers for the holidays to avoid bringing prohibited items to minimize delay in ports.
“Yes sana kung maari wag na lang magdala patawid kung saan magpunta para maiwasan ang delay ng biyahe,” Benliro said.
Ingkaso man nga magtalang ang mga pasahero sang ila sakayan, indi magkahuya nga magpalapit sa Malasakit help desk matapos nga handa nga mag-assist ang PCG kag iban pa nga law enforcement.
Ginapasiguro man ni Benliro nga safe nga paga-sakyan ang tanan nga sea vessels tion sang holiday season.
As the influx of province-bound travelers for the long holiday weekend is expected to make ports busy, Benliro asked passengers to bear with the security processes as these are needed to ensure that their travel is safe./PN
